One of My Favorite Instructional Techniques

Chunking it Down / Small Groups

The usual assignment given by an absentee teacher involves reading a textbook or article with worksheets. I notice that some students (even high school students) struggle with reading textbooks. So, to make it easier, I combined two techniques -- chunking it down and small groups. Here is how I do it:

1. Break the class up in small groups of 3 to 5 students each (depending on class size and length of the chapter or article)
2. Have each group elect a facilitator, scribe, and researcher
3. Assign each group a section to complete
4. Give a time limit for students to complete their section (that means they write the answers or written responses on their worksheets)
5. Students also should read the entire chapter or article
6. Students will share their findings or answers with the whole group
7. Activity must be timed to allow time for sharing and completion of assignment

For one class, I had them type their sections in a Word file on the Smart Board. This gave them a special product to share with their teacher when he/she returned. They loved it and where quite engaged with the process. It also gave students a chance to copy the answers on the smart board on their worksheets. 

Link to language Arts PowerPoint:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Middle-School-Language-Arts-Grammar-Jeopardy-1209150